Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlights failed to shut off, which required the battery cable to be disconnected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact felt that the vehicle was unsafe to drive in the event that the day time running lamps, high beams, and fog lights short out. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
2000 Ford Taurus: headlights failing or too dim
23 of the 1,194 complaints about the 2000 Ford Taurus describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 90,000
- recalls
- 4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlight knob failed and the contact was not able to activate the headlights. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle at night as a result. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v075000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) but was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 54,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus which was purchased in 2009. He stated that the headlight knob inside of the vehicle was broken. He had to utilize pliers in order to turn the headlights on and off. The manufacturer was contacted and although recall number 01v075000, exterior lighting, headlights switch was related to the failure, his VIN was not included. The current and failure mileages were under 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. While driving 55 MPH the headlamp switch knob fractured and separated from the headlamp switch. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign id number 01v075000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 90,000. The current mileage was 110,000. The vehicle identification number was available.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. The contact twisted the headlight knob to the right to illuminate them and the knob detached. The failure occurred because the back of the knob that secured it to the panel detached. There was recall # 01v075000 concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch, but the contact's vehicle was not included. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlight switch cracked, causing the knob to detach. The contact wished to qualify for recall # 01v075000. However, this vehicle was not included. The current and failure mileage were 90000. *ak update *4/23/07 *
Tl*- the contact stated that the headlight knob in her 2000 ford taurus (89000 failure mileage), came off and will no longer stay on. There is a recall (01v078000) out for the same failure, but this vehicle wasn't included.
Dt*: the contact stated the headlight switch failed to engage the headlights when activated. The switch then detached from the dashboard and fell to the floor of the vehicle on the driver side. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the problem, but was able to replace the switch. There was a the federal safety agency recall# 01v075000 which pertained to the headlights switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 11/21/2006 -
My car is a 2000 ford taurus (VIN number is [xxx]). I have the same problem as the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v075000. The headlamp switch knob is fractured and does not correctly attach to the headlamp switch. I went to the dealership in macon, ga, and was told that this specific recall does not apply to my VIN number, even though I have the same make, model, and year car. My only option the dealership gave me was to pay $80 to install a complete new light switch, even though all I need is a new knob. I was told that the knob is not sold as a separate part, only as a complete new switch. I would like this recall extended to cars like mine. This causes difficulty for me to turn on and off the headlights. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2000 ford taurus. Additional incident re: odi # 10135016 low beam headlights failed after driving 45 minutes. Drove to dealer, lights began working. While waiting lights failed again and dealer witnessed failure. Dealer replaced multi-function switch with scorched connector-tab and wiring harness connector that had partially melted.
2000 ford taurus headlights failed.*mr the headlight seals failed which allowed moisture to form on the inside surface of the lens. This reduces the amount of light given off by 10-25%.
2000 ford taurus. Driving at night, headlights and all running-park lights failed. Parked car and idled while trying different headlight switch positions. After about 15 minutes, lighting resumed normal operation. Dealer (of course) could find no problems nor cause of the failure. Factory customer support was contacted, and have yet to receive call-back.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash.
- Risk
- In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 04V106000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. Due to the use of incorrect material by a supplier, the headlamp switch knob can fracture and separate from the headlamp switch.
- Risk
- This would cause difficulty for the driver to activate the headlamps, which could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the headlamp switch knob. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V075000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. If the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V078000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: back up lights
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger sedans with factory or dealer-installed deck lid spoilers with LED center high mounted stop lamps (chmsl). Vehicles produced with spoilers were manufactured from march 1 through october 31, 2000; and vehicles with spoilers installed by dealers were manufactured from january 1 thorough december 30, 2000. With the ignition switch in the start or run positions and the hazard warning lights operating, the chmsl can illuminate (at reduced intensity) even though the service brakes have not been applied. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." also, in some cases the vehicle brake-shift interlock would not function properly, allowing the shift lever to be moved from park without applying the brake.
- Risk
- Under the requirements of the standard, the chmsl shall be activated only upon appplication of the service brakes. Also, the vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash, if the shift lever can be shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a jumper/resistor assembly at the spoiler that provides an electrical resistor to ground and corrects the chmsl and brake-shift interlock conditions. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V048000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2000 Ford Taurus headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2000 Ford Taurus?
23 of 1,194 owner complaints about the 2000 Ford Taurus (2%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 1993.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2000 Ford Taurus?
There are 4 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2000 Ford Taurus
Coil spring 324Stalling 57Tire blowout 57No deployment 37Sudden acceleration 25Wipers 23Airbag light 22Fuel pump 22Seat belt 22Grinding brakes 21Fire or smoke 21ABS 19Check engine light 17Brake failure 15Adaptive cruise 14Transmission failure 14Ball joint 13Harsh shifting 13Door locks 10Fuel gauge 10Fuel smell 10Loss of power 10Won't start 10Jerking 8Overheating 8Hesitation 7Won't shift 7Slipping 6Engine failure 5Premature wear 5Water leak 5
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